Chapter 5 - THE SECRET BEHIND THE BROKEN KNUCKLES
Vincent's hands were healing.
The bruises had faded.
The cuts were closing.
But I still remembered how they looked that first night.
One afternoon, I found him in the library.
He was reading a legal file.
I sat across from him.
“What happened to your hands?”
He looked up.
For a moment, he hesitated.
Then said:
“A fight.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Shocking.”
Vincent smiled faintly.
Then looked down.
“My brother.”
I froze.
“What?”
He took a breath.
“My younger brother, Luca.”
Vincent explained that Luca had become involved with Alby's organization.
He'd borrowed money.
Made promises.
Then disappeared.
“I tried to get him out,” Vincent said.
His voice tightened.
“But he wouldn't listen.”
I studied him.
“So you fought?”
Vincent nodded.
“Yes.”
I looked at his hands.
“Did you hurt him?”
He swallowed.
“Yes.”
The honesty surprised me.
Vincent continued.
“I lost my temper.”
He looked down.
“And I regret it.”
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then I asked:
“Where is Luca now?”
Vincent shook his head.
“I don't know.”
His expression changed.
For the first time, I saw fear.
Not for himself.
For his brother.
I leaned forward.
“Do you think Alby has him?”
Vincent nodded.
“Yes.”
I looked down.
The dangerous stranger from the restaurant suddenly seemed less mysterious.
He was a man trying to save someone he loved.
And making terrible choices along the way.
I took a breath.
“Vincent.”
He looked up.
“You need help.”
He laughed bitterly.
“I know.”
I shook my head.
“Not more men with guns.”
His smile faded.
“Then what?”
“People who know how to handle this legally.”
Vincent stared.
May you like
Then slowly nodded.
For the first time, he seemed willing to consider a solution that didn't begin with violence.
